Austrade presents its freshest picks

John Moore, CEO of Summerfruit Australia; Jeffrey Scott, CEO of Australian Table Grape Association; Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell; and Olivia Tait, market development manager of Apple & Pear Australia LTD

Australian Ambassador Bill Tweddell has launched “Now in Season 2015” to officially mark the season and availability of Australian grapes, pears and stonefruit in the Philippines.

“With the growing awareness and demand for healthy and clean food options, more and more people are looking to Australia as a source of high quality, healthy and safe produce,” said Ambassador Tweddell, “Australian farms enjoy a pristine growing environment and a clean environment ensures the freshest and best quality products.”

Australia’s fruit industry is renowned for its world-class safety standards, including its innovative traceability systems. “This means that each batch of fruit can be tracked from the farm, to the packing house, and then on the ship during its voyage to the Philippines,” Weymouth explained.

Filipinos can enjoy a variety of grapes, pears and stonefruits (such as peaches, nectarines and plums) at their favorite supermarkets and grocery stores, such as Robinsons, Rustan’s, S&R and Shopwise.

At the launch, visiting Australian chef Tim Hollands highlighted that the fruits can be enjoyed simply as a healthy and delicious snack, or used as an ingredient in a range of sweet and savory recipes. Grapes, pears and stonefruits have many nutritional benefits: they are packed with vitamins A, C and E; have low GI; and are a great source of dietary fiber and phytonutrients.

Now in Season 2015, is a fresh produce retail promotion that will run in April and May in local supermarket chains in the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia.